Two people involved in a fatal Easter morning hit-and-run crash were sentenced today to 180 days in jail and 36 months of probation in Grand Haven Circuit Court.

By Staff reports

Holland Sentinel

By Staff reports

Posted Sep. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 23, 2013 at 11:18 PM

By Staff reports

Posted Sep. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 23, 2013 at 11:18 PM

Grand Haven

Two people involved in a fatal Easter morning hit-and-run crash were sentenced today to 180 days in jail and 36 months of probation in Grand Haven Circuit Court.
Maly Phongsavanh, 23, of Holland Township, and Jeremie Allen Collins, 27, of Park Township, both pleaded no contest in the March 31 death of Joshua Kyle Owens, 24, of Holland.

Owens was killed after leaving the Itty Bitty Bar and Grill near 152nd Avenue in Park Township and crossing the multi-lane road to get to an ATM.

Witnesses said the vehicles — a BMW and an Audi — may have been racing. The drivers briefly stopped before fleeing. The vehicles were at a house in Park Township where the two suspects were arrested.

Collins and Phongsavanh both made brief statements during their sentencings.

"I'd like to apologize to the family," Collins said. "I would give anything to take back the event that did happen."

"I would like to apologize to the family ... for the crime," Phongsavanh said.
Phongsavanh and Collins both pleaded no contest in August to the charge of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death.

A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such in determining a defendant’s sentencing.

In addition to jail time and probation, Chief Circuit Judge Edward R. Post ordered Collins was to wear an electronic tether for 180 days upon completing his jail sentence. Collins also was ordered not to consume alcohol or drugs during that time. He was approved for a work release program.
Attorneys for both defendants said their clients participated in counseling since the Easter event.

"He lacked the courage and the character to do what is right," said Collins' attorney, Michael Boyle. "The past six months he has been in counseling for substance abuse and to deal with the grief.

"I'm extremely proud of the efforts that he's made. He's dedicated to become a better person."

Phongsavanh received approval to participate in a work release program while she serves her sentence.

"She sought treatment throughout the case," Kim Kotowski said of her client.

Owens worked at Randy’s Carpet Cleaning for seven years and was going to earn his degree in business administration from Cornerstone University. He is survived by his wife and daughter.